November 30 2013 – Keyhole lung transplant performed on 60-year-old in Chennai

Surgeons at Global Health City have performed a minimally-invasive lung transplant on a 60-year-old patient, who has been suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for the last 11 years.

The lung transplant was done through a seven-inch-long incision, which is nearly one-third the length used in the conventional procedure, doctors said.

Raja Babu Shah, an Indian-origin businessman residing in Nepal, had severe breathlessness and had required oxygen supply fulltime for the last four years. He was confined to his bed and a wheelchair.

In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the cause for which is not known, the lung becomes stiff and does not expand well. There are poor oxygen levels in the blood, said Vijil Rahulan, head of the department, respiratory medicine and senior consultant pulmonologist, Global Health City.